Editor’s Note 005

Hmmm…how should we start this issue? Well here’s a thought, why doesn’t anything last? Why do things in life come and go? Is there a lesson involved, is someone trying to tell us something, why do we decide to go this way instead of that way with the possibility of regret or total elation from having success? I guess you all are wondering where I’m going with this.

In life we all have decisions to make, with really have no control over what is going to happen when we make those decisions, which in result are going to change and shape us for the rest of our lives. I guess a good example of this would be the authentic, original and dynamic hip hop trio Little Brother, which (Phonte) our cover feature has experienced in his career. If you don’t know no by now Little Brother is Little Brother minus the versatile 9th Wonder. Who the heck knew this day would come? What is it that groups can’t stay together? The list only gets longer year by year, Tribe, the Fugees, Leaders of a New School, EPMD, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, NWA, Slum Village, and the list goes on; but LB? The only group left is the Roots. My point is either way whether these groups broke up and got back for reunion tours or dismantled for good what would this world be like if they never decided to come together in the first place. Can you imagine never hearing “Scenario” played over a loud speaker, or “Fall in Love” performed by S.Villa, Lauryn Hill kill it on “How Many Mics” or Pete Rock & CL on Reminisce? So I’m here to say thank you to the groups who assembled to make this timeless music and whether these respective groups are still cohesive or not the music, will never die as long as someone has an ipod, cd player, tape deck or turntable.

In this issue of course we have Phonte, but Scheme managed to pull together Phonte to conduct an interview with Baatin of Slum Village which was one of the most open and honest interviews to date. We will also feature photographer Jonathan Mannion, the Pharcyde, Black Sheep, Felicia Pride, Stacy Epps, Dwele, Hoodman Clothing, Bobbito Garcia, DJ Aktive and a review of J Dilla’s last piece of work, Ruff Draft. Thank you to Victor Williams, Chad Quinn, Khary Campbell, “Philly’s finest”, Tamir of Lyrics to Go!, Phonte for taking the time out of his busy schedule to conduct an ill interview with Baatin of SV and all other contributors to this issue. There is always a decision to be made…You Choose.